Long Route
99km | 2400m
Medium Route
60km | 1700m
Short Route
53km | 1200m
Ride Overview
Forests tracks, gravel climbs, B-roads and not forgetting Lakes! The Lake District Mountain Epic is a perfect way to get the best of the Lake District in one ride.
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England’s only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park.
A challenging but very rewarding early summer gravel epic!
Highlights
- Climbing and descending on gravel trails through England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter.
- Taking a breather at feed stops and basking in the tranquillity of the Lake District Mountains and Valleys
- For those on the long route, Ennerdale Valley is quite possibly the Lake Districts best kept secret for gravel riding, enjoy!
Included in Entry
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with Proper Food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30 - 35km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more .
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
Event Program
13th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
15th June – 7.45am: Ride village in Keswick opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
15th June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
15th June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
15th June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Starting in between Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite, both routes kick off with a gravel climb up through England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter. As the climb continues, you reap the rewards in the form of expansive views of both Lakes as well as Skiddaw and Blencathra on a clear day.
The ride then descends on gravel trails through the forest to join small roads and bridleways to the first feed stop, with views along the stunning Buttermere Valley.
Taking in the Corpse Road to rise high above Loweswater, the ride starts to feel more wild.
The long and medium route split at this point, and whilst the medium heads backs, the long route takes a well worth trip to Ennerdale Valley, to take in fast gravel tracks alongside the water and up through the valley and a gradual climb and descent along the River Liza. A remote feed stop will be here to supply snacks and a water top up.
The ride then retraces its steps back to Loweswater and one more feedstop to ready yourself for the final climb up towards Whinlatter and a breathtaking descent to the finish.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
99km
Elevation:
2400m
Difficulty:
5/5
Medium Route
Aside from missing out Ennerdale Water, the medium route is the same as the long route and still includes forest riding, and b-road heaven cycling. be sure to pack your climbing legs for this one. The route includes 20km in the mountain forest.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
60km
Elevation:
1700m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
The short route takes in the second half of the long route with a section in the forest, backroads to Cockermouth and then a big fell to get over in the Whinlatter Forest before getting home.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty:
3/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice:The route has a good mixture of quality off road gravel trails, a few short techincal bridelways and some grasss in the middle b-roads, so we recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: Both gravel and hardtail MTBs will be great for this route. Weather depending, a bit more tread wouldn’t go amiss, we would recommend 40-50mm width.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence. This route goes into remote areas so a basic first aid kit including a foil blanket is essential.
Clothing: Early June in the Lakes should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes just outside Keswick. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.